As the CCUS landscape evolves, digital technologies are becoming essential to optimizing design, improving efficiency, reducing costs, and ensuring operational reliability. This session highlights cutting-edge advancements in AI, machine learning, digital twins, and advanced simulation tools that enhance CCUS project performance across the value chain—enabling data-driven decision-making, improved monitoring and risk assessment, and accelerating progress toward a low-carbon future.

As carbon capture and storage (CCS) scales to meet global decarbonization targets, operational excellence becomes paramount. This talk explores how digital technologies ranging from advanced thermo-hydraulic modeling and digital twins to real-time monitoring and digital carbon accounting are revolutionizing CCS operations. These tools enable seamless data integration, predictive analytics, and proactive decision-making, shifting CCS from reactive management to intelligent optimization.

Through real-world case studies and practical applications, the session will highlight how digital solutions are improving asset reliability, reducing operational risk, and accelerating project deployment. Attendees will gain insights into the evolving digital ecosystem that is not only supporting CCS but redefining its role in the energy transition.

To achieve the ambitious carbon net-zero goals by 2050, several initiatives have been recently undertaken for energy transition, including low-carbon energy production, new energy sources, and emissions reduction. Among all initiatives, the one that has gained significant traction is Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), due to its immediate impact of reducing CO2 emissions by capturing and permanently storing them underground. The CCS initiative has been further fueled by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which has increased federal compensation, making it more lucrative. While there has been increased activity recently from both operators and service companies due to the IRA, SLB has been actively engaged in CCS for over 20 years, having completed more than 120 projects worldwide. In North America alone, this translates to over 69 projects across Canada and the lower 48 states.

The CCS value chain is relatively complex as it involves various facilities, equipment, and subsurface storage, along with a number of injection and monitoring wells. SLB has created a multi-disciplinary workflow that provides digital technologies and solutions across the entire CCS value chain, and we have utilized this workflow throughout the CCS lifecycle. In essence, digital technologies and solutions can accelerate the time it takes to plan and execute a project, resulting in reduced total costs (CAPEX and OPEX). They also play a significant role in de-risking projects by utilizing all available data and building simulation models or digital twins that can mimic the behavior of the storage site or equipment, anticipate risks, and develop mitigation plans.
 
Digital technologies play a myriad of roles in the various aspects highlighted throughout this presentation, from site screening and capture to transport, storage, and monitoring. Ultimately, they help to scale and de-risk global CCUS projects at speed through:

•    Reducing risk by accurately capturing CO2 physics for modeling and simulation
•    Optimized workflows for improved usability and deployment

This presentation will showcase how digital solutions successfully characterized and de-risked millions of metric tons of CO2 storage. By integrating processes with cloud computing, SLB’s digital workflow is instrumental in helping clients de-risk sequestration projects and better understand their operating requirements, enabling them to accurately manage their CCS project. 

CCUS permitting involves preparing and reviewing extensive documentation of project narratives that span subsurface, wells, injection operations, monitoring, reporting and verification, emergency response procedures, financial responsibilities, environmental impact, and community engagement. In the case of the US, notices of deficiencies and requests for additional information for Class VI permits have increased EPA review times from 24-month targets to 40+ months, impacting project economics and delaying decarbonization efforts. We discuss AI use cases in the context of Class VI permits, and how it can improve process efficiencies in preparation, administrative completeness and technical reviews. 

In this session, we will examine all three key aspects of the CCUS value chain – capture, transportation, and storage. The presenters will take a deeper look at the key economic drivers, technologies being utilized, and challenges currently being faced.

The Texas Louisiana Carbon Management Center (TXLACMC), funded by the Department of Energy (DOE), is a leading hub for Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Sequestration (CCUS) research. Bringing together local governments, industry leaders, and academic institutions, TXLACMC is committed to equitable climate solutions for communities in South Texas. This project focuses on critical challenges in geologic carbon storage, particularly caprock integrity and fault reactivation risks arising from CO₂ uptake in swelling clay and other porous materials. Researchers systematically studied CO₂ absorption, stability, and molecular interactions to enhance carbon capture efficiency using experimental methods and molecular dynamics simulations.

Key findings were threefold: structural shifts, crystallographic analyses, and gas uptake comparison. Structural shifts focus on the changes in interlayer content and basal spacing due to adsorption, affecting porosity, permeability, and microfracture formation in caprocks. Crystallographic analyses provided evidence on structural transformations in porous absorbents, for example, the transition between octahedral and tetrahedral structures of clay minerals was observed before and after CO₂ capture. Two cost-effective clays—Na-rich montmorillonite and Mg/Ca/Al-rich montmorillonite—were tested to optimize implementation costs. In comparison, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) were examined for their high surface area, tunable pore sizes, and chemical versatility to improve selective CO₂ adsorption under varying temperatures and pressures. By integrating both experimental and simulation approaches, this research advances CCUS technologies, offering scalable carbon capture solutions that meet industrial needs while addressing environmental challenges. 

This presentation will cover parts of the existing and proposed pipeline infrastructure for the transportation of CO2 in the United States including proposed offshore sequestration.

This presentation reviews our experience with a recent lawsuit regarding subsurface migration of an acid gas plume (roughly 2/3 CO2, 1/3 H2S). In this case, plume migration outside of an operator's predictions, based on an over-simplified geologic model, ultimately led to tens of millions of dollars in damages awarded to the plaintiff in the case. The presentation begins with an overview of the specifics of the case that are now publicly available (e.g. location, geology, development history). It will describe the modeling work undertaken by the various parties, and illustrate the pitfalls associated with some of the modeling choices taken by the defendant. We will conclude by drawing key takeaways that are applicable to the broader CCS industry as it scales up.

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is often seen as an environmental challenge as a pollutant , but what if it could be transformed into a valuable resource? This session explores the innovative chemical engineering technologies/solutions and strategies that repurpose CO₂ into essential  products such as from fuels and chemicals to building materials, or gas/oil substitution for EOR/EGR with the right exit strategies. The session will cover advancements in CO₂ capture, conversion processes, and the role of policy and market forces in driving the economics and applications.

Most carbon-based products such as detergents, textiles, packing and construction materials are produced using fossil fuels as both a feedstock and energy source.   The net impact of this combined “fuel-and-feedstock" approach results in CO2 emissions that are significantly greater than the mass of carbon product itself.  For example, the detergents made from ethane add over 10g of CO2 to the atmosphere for every gram of detergent.   In a new approach, we use CO2 as a feedstock and zero-emissions energy sources to drive the reaction.  The process is based on the electrochemical reduction of CO2 to two-carbon chemicals such as ethylene, ethanol or acetic acid.   These molecules serve as the basic building blocks for thousands of derivatives which can be produced with lower, zero, or potentially negative emissions.    In this talk, we consider the technology and value proposition of endless CO2 recycling for use as feedstocks for carbon-based products.

CO₂ utilization often gets positioned as a silver bullet for decarbonization, but in reality, most pathways still face major technical and commercial hurdles. In this talk, I’ll take a step back from modeling details and offer a practical look at the real-world potential, and limits, of various CO₂ utilization options.

We’ll cover three major categories: enhanced resource recovery (EOR and beyond), synthetic fuels/chemicals, and permanent mineralization or construction materials. Each will be framed through a pragmatic lens: What’s scalable? What’s permanent? What’s bankable?

I’ll also touch on how emerging multi-emitter hubs and cross-sector integration, particularly with hydrogen, ammonia, and power, might be the key to unlocking true utilization at scale. The session will close with three actionable filters that operators and investors can use to evaluate utilization projects quickly and clearly, based on technical viability, policy alignment, and commercial risk.
 

To reduce the high costs associated with CCS, coupling CCS with Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) could provide a critical financial incentive to facilitate development of CCS projects in the short term. EOR projects are primarily implemented to increase oil and gas production with and long-term storage of CO2 in most cases is not considered. Currently EOR projects need to be treated as a CCS project; however, regulations must satisfy both oil and gas production rules and the rules for CCS storage sites. To speed up the implementation of CCS projects a vast knowledge of EOR techniques and field cases implementations is needed. In this session we will cover cases studies focusing on the use of EOR knowledge to overcome the technical challenges associated to the CCS implementation.

Accurate prediction of the Area of Review (AoR) is central to safe and compliant CO₂ sequestration projects. This talk presents recent advancements developed by CMG to improve the reliability and efficiency of reservoir models used for regulatory approvals.

First, we explore boundary condition strategies, such as static amalgamation, transition regions, and tartan grids—that reduce simulation runtimes by over 80% while preserving accuracy within the AoR. Second, we address common limitations in plume radius estimation using standard methods and introduce improved objective functions based on tracer-defined areas and critical pressure zones.

Together, these approaches enable fast, scalable modeling workflows that better capture operational and geological uncertainties, helping operators meet Class VI well requirements and support high-confidence decision-making.
 

Polymer flooding is a mature chemical enhanced oil recovery (cEOR) process that improves macroscopic sweep efficiency by reducing the mobility ratio between injected water and reservoir fluids. By increasing the effectiveness of water injection, polymer flooding enables higher oil recovery while reducing water production and the associated energy demand for lifting, separation, treatment, and reinjection. This improved efficiency directly reduces the carbon intensity of produced oil.
 
CO₂-based enhanced oil recovery (EOR) can provide both incremental hydrocarbon production and long-term carbon storage, but reservoir heterogeneity and gas channeling often lead to poor conformance and early breakthrough. Hybrid processes that combine polymers with CO₂ injection offer a promising approach to overcome these challenges.
 
Two strategies are of particular interest: (1) polymer placement in high-permeability layers to divert CO₂ into lower zones, and (2) viscosity modification of water in water-alternating-gas (WAG) injection cycles. In field pilots conducted in the Middle East, polymer injection in upper high-permeability zones confined the propagation of CO₂ into lower-permeability intervals, thereby improving sweep efficiency and reducing gas override. Similarly, polymer-thickened WAG has been shown to improve mobility control, leading to 10–15% higher oil recovery compared with conventional WAG, while increasing the fraction of CO₂ retained in the reservoir by up to 30%.
 
This paper will present the underlying mechanisms of polymer–CO₂ hybrid processes, review field results from existing pilots, and discuss early insights and expectations from ongoing studies. These technologies represent a promising pathway for improving the technical and environmental performance of CO₂-EOR operations.

This session addresses the engineering challenges of scaling CCUS technologies, covering process integration, design challenges, and economic considerations for scaling up from pilot projects to commercial-sized facilities in the chemical and petroleum industries, including hardware, funding components.

Minox has developed a compact, modular carbon capture solution to address the scaling challenges of CCUS in offshore and space-constrained environments—critical barriers to commercialization in the petroleum and chemical industries.
Building on our core technology for water deoxygenation, in continuous offshore operation since 1991, we have developed a two-stage carbon capture system capable of up to 95% CO₂ capture efficiency, with a footprint reduction of more than 60% compared to conventional designs. In offshore settings where space, weight, or infrastructure limit full-scale deployment, a one-stage configuration achieving approximately 77% efficiency may offer a more practical alternative. This represents a workable and space-efficient route to cutting emissions where traditional systems simply cannot fit.

A prototype of the system has been tested at the University of Southern Norway lab, providing valuable insight into design performance under realistic conditions.

Our presentation will cover:
•    Engineering strategies for heat and power integration in offshore environments
•    Modular design considerations.
•    Approaches to solvent longevity, OPEX reduction, and HSE performance
•    Case examples and key learnings from prototype testing

Minox is now preparing for full-scale piloting and actively seeking industry partners to validate and deploy the technology. This session will demonstrate how compact CCUS solutions can bridge the gap between technical readiness and large-scale implementation, enabling decarbonization even in the most challenging operational contexts.

This panel session on CCS (Carbon Capture and Storage) focuses on navigating the complex landscape of policy and regulatory frameworks. Experts will discuss recent updates, challenges, and opportunities in CCS deployment, emphasizing the need for cohesive policies to drive large-scale implementation. The session will highlight the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to ensure effective and sustainable CCS practices.

A CCUS project faces numerous technical, commercial, and political challenges that must be overcome to achieve success. This session will consist of case studies that have faced real-world barriers to implementing CCUS projects and the lessons learned through the process.

In the rapidly evolving landscape of Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS), the integration of advanced technologies and strategic methodologies is paramount for enhancing operational efficiency for purposes of downtime planning and runtime optimization driven by Asset Integrity Management (AIM). This workshop will delve into the best practices that are shaping the future of CCUS, with a particular focus on the findings from the recent gap analysis conducted at a <confidential> facility. The analysis, performed by ABSG Consulting in Q4 2024, highlights critical areas of improvement within AIM systems, emphasizing the importance of robust oversight and compliance with industry standards. Key observations reveal gaps in maintenance practices, regulatory adherence, and stakeholder communication, which could potentially hinder the effectiveness of CCUS initiatives. Participants will gain insights into the methodologies employed to assess these gaps, including the evaluation of current operational frameworks against recognized best practices and regulatory requirements.  Furthermore, the workshop will provide actionable recommendations aimed at enhancing the integrity and performance of CCUS operations. Attendees will have the opportunity to discuss the implications of the findings and explore strategies for implementing sustainable improvements in their own organizations. Join us to enhance your expertise and acquire practical insights that will empower your contributions to the CCUS sector, ensuring that we collectively advance towards a more sustainable and carbon-neutral future.

While Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) technologies are increasingly recognized as essential to achieving net-zero targets, many projects face challenges that, if unattended, may delay or derail implementation. CCS and CCUS business models vary but typically rely on revenue from tax credits (e.g., U.S. 45Q), carbon pricing, or CO₂ utilization (e.g., enhanced oil recovery or industrial use). Some models are vertically integrated, where one entity captures, transports, and stores CO₂, while others are hub-based, sharing infrastructure among emitters. Public-private partnerships, government grants, and long-term storage contracts help reduce financial risk. 
Emerging models include carbon-as-a-service, where companies pay for permanent CO₂ removal, and carbon credit generation for voluntary or compliance markets. Success depends on regulatory clarity, cost control, and market demand for low-carbon or carbon-negative products. This workshop session presents pioneering case studies that illustrate how teams have successfully navigated regulatory, financial, technical, and stakeholder hurdles to bring CCUS projects to fruition.

We begin with the Quest CCS project in Alberta, Canada—one of the world’s first fully integrated CCS facilities. Owned by Shell and backed by government funding, Quest captures CO₂ from hydrogen production at a bitumen upgrader. Over nearly a decade of operation, Quest has demonstrated the value of transparent reporting, robust monitoring, and public outreach. It also highlights the evolution of regulatory frameworks and the importance of sharing performance data to build broader CCUS confidence.

Next, Norway’s Longship project showcases how political will and public-private collaboration can overcome infrastructure and policy barriers. With government support and the development of the open-access Northern Lights CO₂ transport and storage system, Longship provides a replicable model for industrial decarbonization clusters.
Finally, two milestone projects illustrate successful implementation of bioenergy with CCS (BECCS) in the US: The Illinois Industrial CCS Project and Harvestone’s Blue Flint CCS projects, both capturing CO₂ from ethanol production. The Illinois project has succeeded by leveraging U.S. DOE support, engaging local communities early, and aligning project timelines with permitting pathways. Recent project issues at the adjacent ADM project have been leveraged to demonstrate the efficient implementation of corrective action and the active engagement of multiple stakeholders to ensure public safety. The Blue Flint facility has been successfully injecting CO2 since October 2023, capturing 100% of its ~200,000 t/yr CO₂ from fermentation—around 600 t/day—and permanently stores it about 1 mile underground in the Broom Creek Formation. 

These real-world examples will offer practical, experience-based insights, including key take away lessons in:
•    Effective regulatory navigation and permitting strategies
•    Community engagement and public trust building
•    Integration of capture, transport, and storage technology and infrastructure

As Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS)  industry expands, so does the need for a skilled and adaptable workforce. This panel will explore strategies for attracting, retaining, and upskilling talent in a rapidly evolving industry. Experts will discuss the importance of transferable skills from other industries (such as  oil and gas, refinery and manufacturing, midstream pipelines and gas processing), workforce development initiatives, and cross-sector collaboration to ensure a resilient and evolving talent pipeline. Attendees will gain insights into bridging the skills gap, fostering innovation, and preparing  both early and mid-career professionals for the future of CCUS industry.